The European Women's Hockey League has formed a new Players' Association to improve conditions for women playing in the league that spans six nations.

Members of the European Women's Hockey League (EWHL), which features professional women's teams in Austria, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Poland, and Slovakia, have formed an official Players' Association.

Established in March of 2023, the group has been working toward growing the league through the interests of players. There are 18 founding members of the Players' Association including former CWHL member Jacquie Pierri who playes for EV Bozen Eagles in Italy.

"I strongly believe that players should have a seat at the table and avenue through which to voice concerns and influence the direction of league growth," said Pierri. "I hope that through this players association we will be able to get a better understanding of what players in the league are lacking and subsequently to advocate for the changes the players wish to see. Our initial meeting with the league management was positive and we look forward to collaborating more going forward."

In an official announcement, the EWHLPA stated they hope to take an "active role" in the future development of the league, and that the formation of a Players' Association "is necessary to address the needs and concerns of the athletes who make up the league." 

The move comes as the next of a wave of organization among professional women's hockey players. In July, the new professional women's hockey league in North America ratified a collective bargaining agreement and formalized a union, and similar players' associations have launched in the now defunct PHF as well as in Sweden. 

"We believe that by working with the league, we can create a better environment for everyone involved in the sport," the EWHLPA's statement read. "We are excited about this new chapter and look forward to working to grow the game within the EWHL participating nations."